Sutter-Yuba County Biographies
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GEORGE W. HALL
Among the pioneer mercantile enterprises of Marysville is the
stationery store of George W. Hall, who for thirty-six years has conducted the
business at this location, and in the public life of the city has also taken a
leading part, contributing materially to its upbuilding and improvement. A
native of Canada, he was born at Halifax, in the province of Nova Scotia, March
26, 1861, and after severing home ties came to the States, making his way to
Kansas City, Mo., where he obtained a position as a grocery clerk. He arrived
in Marysville in 1885 and for a year and a half was employed in the Swain &
Hudson planing mill. In 1887, in partnership with A. B. Miller, he purchased a
stationery store at No. 220 D Street, and four years later took over the
latter�s interest in the business, which he has since conducted independently.
Through straightforward methods and capable management he has built up a large
patronage, gaining and retaining a position of leadership in this field, and has
been in one location longer than any other merchant in the city. He is also a
member of the firm of George W. Hall & Son, proprietors of a first-class music
store at No. 422 D Street. His son, Francis F., is associated with him in the
undertaking and the business is in a prosperous condition. Mr. Hall was
formerly connected with the theatrical business, acting as manager of the
Marysville Theater from 1901 until 1904, when the building was destroyed by
fire. During the period of his management he succeeded in bringing to the city
many fine attractions, presenting Richard Mansfield and other noted actors of
that time before the patrons of his theater.
Mr. Hall�s connection with public affairs forms one of the vital
interests of his life, and his broad business experience and public spirit
combine to make him a most useful and valuable factor in civic development. He
has served his fellow-citizens in various capacities and has always done able
and efficient work. He was a member of the city council for six years, and in
1905 and 1906, and again in 1909 and 1910, served as mayor of Marysville. He
was filling that office at the time of the San Francisco fire and called a
mass-meeting for the purpose of collecting money and supplies for the sufferers.
He was strongly commended for his economic oversight of the city�s expenditures
as well as for the progressive movements which he inaugurated, and during his
term as mayor franchises were issued to three railroads, the California Midland,
the Sacramento Northern, and the Western Pacific. D Street was paved to Fourth,
and pavement was laid in C Street from Second to Sixth. The sanitary sewer
system was rebuilt and the city library was erected during his administration.
He was mayor at the time high water almost washed away the north levee, but
through the efforts of the citizens the city was saved from a flood. The city
assessment at that time was $2,000,000, while it has now reached almost
$9,000,000. Mr. Hall was chairman of all amusement committees for the 4th of
July celebrations held in Marysville from 1890 until 1916, and also acted in
that capacity during the Admission Day celebration of September 9, 1902. A
graphic portrayal of the days of �49 was given and a number of cowboys, Indians
and ox-drawn prairie schooners appeared in the parade, which was one of the best
ever witnessed in Northern California.
Mr. Hall married Miss Leila Fisher, a native of Yuba County. Her
parents were pioneer settlers of this region, and previous to her marriage she
was engaged in teaching school. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Hall, seven of whom are living: Hedley, a resident of New York; Francis F., who
is associated with his father in business; George W., Jr., of Marysville; Robert
and Leila, both students at the University of California; and Jane and
Catherine, who are attending the Marysville public schools.
Mr. Hall is a charter member of the Marysville Rotary Club, of which
he was a director for two years, and is now serving on the entertainment
committee. He belongs to Marysville Lodge, No. 783, B.P.O.E., and has been a
member of the house committee and a trustee of the Elks� Home. He is also a
Mason, having membership in Corinthian Lodge, No. 9, F. & A.M., of which he is a
Past Master; Marysville Chapter, No. 39, R.A.M.; Marysville Commandery, No. 7,
K.T.; and Ben Ali Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Sacramento, and with his
wife is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. A man of high qualities of
mind and heart, Mr. Hall uses his talents as readily for the public weal as for
his own success, and has made his life county as a valuable asset in community
upbuilding.
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p. 710-711